Two kinds of cutter
Where to buy| Cutter | How to use it |
|---|---|
| Rotary rivet cutter | Insert the rivet in the correct hole in the cutter, place the required number of shims under the rivet head, and squeeze like pliers. Rotation of the discs cuts the rivet to the right length, set by the shims |
| Large rivet cutter | Place it in a vise, insert the rivet in the proper hole, cut by pulling the handle, which shears off the rivet |
| Substitute | If regular rivet cutters are not available, diagonal cutting pliers can be used |
H-31 p. 4-35.
Trim a rivet to length
| Step | Action | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Find the length you need | Work out the rivet length for the stack with the rivet length calculator. |
| 2 | Select the hole | Choose the cutter hole for the rivet diameter. |
| 3 | Add shims | The number of shims under the head decides the length left on the rivet. |
| 4 | Squeeze | Squeeze the handles like pliers; the discs rotate and cut the rivet. |
| 5 | Check | Measure the cut rivet. Dress the cut end if rough, so it does not scratch the hole. |
Typical mistakes
| Mistake | What happens | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong hole for the rivet diameter | Rough cut, damaged rivet | Match hole to rivet |
| Wrong number of shims | Rivet too long or short | Check the length before use |
| Large cutter held by hand | Slips | Place in a vise |
| Using diagonal pliers carelessly | A distorted cut end | Only as a substitute; check the cut |
Care
Keep the cutting discs clean and unchipped. Cut only rivets, not wire or hard stock. Replacement and adjustment follow the maker's data.
Questions people actually ask
How do I cut a rivet to the right length?
Use the rivet length calculator for the stack, then trim with a rotary cutter and the right number of shims under the head (p. 4-35).
Can I cut a rivet with ordinary pliers?
The Handbook allows diagonal cutting pliers as a substitute when regular cutters are not available (p. 4-35).
Limits of this guide
What the sources support, and no further.
- Not approved data. The repair data names the rivet and its length; trimming is for when the drawing's rivet is unavailable in that length and the data allows it.
- No shim thicknesses. The Handbook gives none; use the cutter maker's.
Where to buy
AmericaDistributor coming soonOur partner for this region is on its way
EuropeDistributor coming soonOur partner for this region is on its way
OceaniaDistributor coming soonOur partner for this region is on its way
Distributors coming soon.
Sources
- FAA-H-8083-31B, AMT Handbook: Airframe (2023), Chapter 4 — p. 4-35, "Rivet Cutter"; Fig. 4-82.
Educational reference only. not approved data. Always consult the applicable SRM, AMM, or AC 43.13-1B and your certifying authority.